Although it is not at all uncommon, an ADHD diagnosis still comes with a bit of stigma. Many people associate ADHD with challenging behavior, lack of self-control, and inability to complete tasks. But ADHD can bring with it a host of unique advantages for those who are willing to embrace the good, learn how to manage the bad, and put in the work to thrive not in spite of, but because of, their diagnosis.
The Benefits of ADHD
High Energy Levels
Someone might look at the high energy levels of someone with ADHD and call it impulsivity. However, high energy can also be a tremendous advantage. When a person with ADHD can learn to harness their energy for productive means, they can accomplish a lot! It is very possible for people with ADHD to find ways to self-motivate in order to accomplish multiple tasks back-to-back. Many are even excellent at multi-tasking.
Problem-Solving
People with ADHD are notoriously good problem-solvers. Their brains often shift from one thing to the next quickly and frequently. Therefore, they are often able to solve a problem more quickly than a neurotypical peer might be able to. They can often see the bigger picture, and “map out” multiple divergent paths at once in their brains in order to determine the best one to take.
Creativity
People with ADHD are also extremely creative. In fact, research suggests that people with ADHD are actually more creative than people without ADHD. It may be that when a person’s mind wanders more frequently, there are more opportunities for them to invent and generate ideas that are new and original. When our minds stay focused on a given task, we don’t have as many opportunities for these ideas to emerge.
Compassion
Although some of the symptoms of ADHD can cause one to come across as lacking empathy, people with ADHD have the ability for tremendous compassion as well. Because of the adversity they face, people with ADHD also tend to be more understanding of others. They know what it means to struggle and overcome obstacles. They understand frustration, pain, and hardship because they themselves find so many aspects of their day-to-day routine challenging.
Hyperfocus
Even though ADHD is associated with an inability to focus, many people with ADHD can also experience the opposite effect with certain tasks. They are able to be laser-focused for a long period of time if they find what they are working on motivating enough. This is especially the case for high interest tasks, but many people also experience hyper-focus when faced with significant pressure, like a due date for an assignment or a deadline.
Determination
For students with ADHD, overcoming obstacles to learning can be a major source of accomplishment. Pushing through and adapting to challenges can build grit and determination. While it is by no means easy to accomplish academic and social goals while coping with ADHD, the successes are that much more rewarding.
The Bottom Line
An ADHD diagnosis doesn’t have to be devastating. There can be significant advantages of having ADHD, especially when one is willing to embrace the symptoms that come with it, and learn how to harness them. This aspect of your identity can then contribute to success in school and in life, instead of becoming a barrier.
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